which wide angle?

Hi, all, I'm new to the site and looking for some advice. I've been doing some free event and mother/child photography and I'm looking to start making some money off it. I want to add some glass to my collection, which currently consists of the 50mm 1.8 II, the 70-200mm 2.8L (my pride and joy, a joint birthday gift from everyone who loves me), and the relatively weak 18-55mm kit lens that came with my digital rebel. I'm thinking about adding a decent-to-excellent wide angle for party/event shots (and I'm of course open to any other advice). I would really appreciate any suggestions...
Thanks!
Eric

Depends how wide you want to go but value for money 17 - 40 f4 L

if you take a lot of low light shots I suggest the 16-35 over the 17-40 for that one extra stop. Plus if you're gonna make money off it, considder it an investment

I agree with both Biko and ccM. I have the 17-4L f4 and it works just great for me. I've just returned from Prague and the 17-40L was a perfect wide angle with outstanding results.

Brian

You'll hear it again and again...............bu​t in terms of value and performance, there is nothing like the Canon 17-40 f4 L. This lens is da bomb!!! no doubt.

Ro1

That is, until you look at the Tokina ATX 17/3.5 prime.

Check DRisley's recent ramblings, he's so high on endorphines from this new lens, he's virtually flying

OTOH, if you want a *really* wide lens, you might look at the Sigma 12-24.

Best regards,
Andy

Andythaler wrote:
That is, until you look at the Tokina ATX 17/3.5 prime.
Check DRisley's recent ramblings, he's so high on endorphines from this new lens, he's virtually flying
Best regards,
Andy

Ccccaaannn'ttt ssttooppp shhaaakkinngg!

If you want zoom, get one of the Canon L wides or Sigma 12-24.
If you prefer a prime and want to save money, definately get the Tokina.

The "golden middle" between the super-wide Sigma 12-24 and the not-so-wide (and quite expensive) 17-40 f/4L may be the Sigma 15-30 f/3.5-4.5 - it's equivalent to 24-48mm on 1.6 crop body, quite sharp and nicely built. The drawbacks are - slow and noisy AF motor, huge filters and you have to be VERY careful with flare.

The drisley's Tokina is also very nice lens, actually I consider to exchange my Sigma 15-30 for it because of the size - the Sigma is big lens, and I want something smaller for everyday use (and a small bag). The flare performance of this lens is amasing !